Book Review: Daughter of the Forest

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Daughter of the Forest     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Juliet Marillier
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Romance   Magic   Fairy Tales
Series: The Sevenwaters Trilogy # 1
Tor, May 2000, $25.95, 400 pp.

Of the seven Irish siblings, only Sorcha, the youngest and only female, does not remember their deceased mother. Her older six brothers have fond memories of their mother, that is until, their malevolent stepmother Oonagh bewitched their father and changed the males into swans. Sorcha is the solo hope of rescuing her family.

Sorcha enters the forest only to be raped. She manages to escape with the help of English nobleman Hugh of Harrowfield. Due to her vow, Sorcha hides her mission from Hugh. However, they marry and travel to England where Sorcha continues her quest to transform her siblings back into humans even as she becomes the focus of a deadly power struggle between Hugh and his enemies.

DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST is an entertaining romantic fantasy that retells the legendary Celtic fairy tale of the swans. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with romance yet brimming with magical elements that seem real. The lead charcaters are warm, compassionate, and share a sense of family loyalty that adds to the adventure. Though her debut novel, Juliet Marillier shows the talent of a folk tale teller that will send fantasy fans and romance readers delightfully desiring similar set stories.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner